This post will fall under the category of pretty irrelevant. But I'm not trying to change the world, just put something out there for my own sake. I feel like writing and watching a good movie. The problem is I can't find anything that I think might satisfy me. My predicament started me thinking about movies that I have seen that most people probably haven't but should. So, if anyone in the world ever looks at this, doubtful, they will see my list of "5 Kick Ass Movies that Most People Haven't Seen." It's not in any particular order other than the order they came into my brain.
1. Real Genius - 1985
Ok. I know I wrote that they aren't in order, but this one is the best of this list. In it, adolescent super geniuses work and study at an ultra important science university. The main character, Mitch Taylor, befriends Chris Knight the school slacker/hot shot brain/big man on campus. As Knight, a young Val Kilmer shows unbelievable comedic timing with biting sarcastic humor that just doesn't stop. After Knight saves Taylor from burning out, the pair realize their research is being used for not so pleasant things. If you're watching this movie, it's best to give it your full attention. The comedy is quick and frequent, not for the casual observer. The soundtrack is also a bit of 80s gold just waiting to be mined.
2. A Love Song for Bobby Long - 2004
I picked up this movie for five dollars at Wal-Mart, and I wanted to go back and give them more for it. The story revolves around three characters, a young, misguided girl, an alcoholic former English professor, and his former student/current protégé. The girl, played by Scarlett Johansson, receives word of her mother's death and goes to take possession of her house. She finds the student and his mentor Bobby Long, played by John Travolta, living there. The trio make a touching, complex, and comedic combination as the two men attempt to help Pursy straighten her life out and Pursy tries to keep Bobby sober. The story seems simple when looking back on it, but emotionally, it conveys the complexity of dysfunctional family interaction. It may be Travolta's masterpiece. He is at times hilarious, endearing, disgusting, cruel, and wondrous. Labeling this movie is nearly impossible except to simply state that it is a terrific piece of storytelling.
3. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - 2005
Another stellar performance by Val Kilmer, but it's Robert Downey Jr., and an unbelievable script, that truly make this movie great. Once again Downey Jr. and Kilmer use their biting sarcasm to keep the audience in stitches, but the quirky mystery element adds an intriguing dimension. Downey Jr. is a thief turned actor after he stumbles into an audition to avoid the police. Kilmer is an openly gay, though tough, private eye who must mentor Downey Jr. for an upcoming role. Downey reconnects with an old friend, a beautiful actress form his hometown, and sets out to solve her sister's murder. It's funny, twisted, a little dark, and meaningful when it needs to be, especially a scene near the end when Perry (Kilmer's character), who was beaten by his father as a child, confronts the victim's abusive father. It works great as a comedy, mystery, or just a great story.
4. Chaplin - 1992
No one ever talks about Chaplin, a biopic before biopics were cool, and I have no idea why. Again, Robert Downey Jr. shows he's one of the most talented actors of all time and was nominated for an Academy Award. For people like me who know nothing about the silent film era, his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin gives insight into the genesis of the medium we love. He makes Chaplin's comedy real, relevant, and hilarious to a new generation with his amazing physicality and timing. Downey Jr. has never failed in the emotional department either and once again delivers admirable depth to a complex man. Great movie.
5. Mad City - 1997
So far, all of my selections contain an element of, if not a basis in, comedy. There is nothing funny about Mad City. It is one of two movies that has ever brought me near tears (I said NEAR tears). I stated previously that A Love Song for Bobby Long might be John Travolta's greatest performance. His role in Mad City is also in contention. In it, he plays Sam, a recently fired bank security guard whose life spirals out of his own control when he somehow begins a hostage situation inside the bank. A reporter named Brackett, played by the amazing Dustin Hoffman, befriends Sam, constantly counseling him throughout his most trying time. Sam is his own worst enemy only because he wants what is right in a world full of wrong. It's a heavy movie, not to be watched when you're in the mood for something happy and light, but when you want something well crafted to sink your teeth into, this movie is a stroke of genius.
Other great movies you may not have seen but definitely should that I don't want to write descriptions for:
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints - 2006
Robert Downey Jr., Shia LaBeouf, Channing Tatum (Don't worry, he's actually good in this. It's shocking)
Hackers - 1995 (Actually not a great movie, but I love it.)
Angelina Jolie, Jonny Lee Miller
Doubt - 2008 (I hate Meryl Streep, but this movie rocks)
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams
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